Scarpa Mescalito Planet: The Best Approach Shoes

After years of reliably using the La Sportiva TX4 approach shoes, it was time to replace them. So the hunt for a new Approach Shoe began, where I wanted something comfortable, high quality and with excellent traction for climbing and on hiking trails. I was tempted to get the replacements for my favourite ever hiking shoe, but with mixed reviews for the TX4 Evos and many downgrades, I wasn’t convinced. Luckily, I found the Scarpa Mescalito Planet Approach Shoes, which are a top choice for people with wider feet, who want climbing ability, hiking comfort, support and durability. So find out why these are the best approach shoes I’ve owned with key features, strengths, weaknesses and kit rating in this review.

What is an Approach Shoe?

I have used Hiking Shoes over Hiking Boots since I started hiking as a kid. Primarily because I like the ankle flexibility for fast descents and scrambling on rocks; however, this does come at the cost of support and worse water/puddle performance. I discovered Approach Shoes, which are a combination of hiking and climbing shoes. This hybrid shoe sounded perfect for my future adventures. If you enjoy scrambling or need versatile footwear for approaches or backpacking, then approach shoes could be the sweet spot shoe. There’s a reason mountaineers and climbers swear by Approach shoes for their durability, climbing ability and all-day comfort. Now that I’ve owned the La Sportiva TX4 GTX and Scarpa Mescalito Planet Shoes, I highly recommend considering these over normal hiking boots or trail runners. And find out next why I upgraded from the La Sportiva to the Scarpa Mescalito Planet.

Scarpa Mescalito Planet: Introduction

Scarpa is famous for producing world-class climbing, approach and mountaineering footwear. Their approach shoes are aimed at people wanting to reach climbing areas, mountain paths and via ferratas with ease. The low ankle design makes them lighter and provides greater mobility on hikes and easy climbing routes. The materials are chosen for outstanding performance, resistance, grip, support and durability in mind. Then, combined with the climbing style laces for adjustability, and the sole technology for comfort on rough terrain.

The Scarpa Mescalito Planet Approach Shoes are a lightweight summer technical approach and via ferrata footwear. This highly engineered shoe has excellent environmental credentials and sets a new eco benchmark for competitors. It comes to life on alpine terrain and on challenging long approaches. The innovative Perspair® fabric is a high-performance, lightweight and breathable material that allows for all-day comfort on summer approaches and trails. By using a single-piece upper with recycled yarns, it combines abrasion-resistant inserts and sustainable design to specific zones for precise performance.

The Mescalito Planet provides excellent grip on various terrains, specialising in rock climbing, scrambles and via ferrata. This shoe would be ideal for a Dolomites trek like Alta Via 4. With a low ankle design, it provides both sufficient flexibility and support when using ladders, ropes or other equipment. The Laces offer easy adjustability and have been designed for a wider toe box as well (A key differentiator). Finally, the sole has a Vibram Litebase used along an EVA midsole and Ortholite insole for maximum comfort.

Scarpa Mescalito Planet: Technical Specs

Measured to Men’s Version in Size 44/9.5

• Shoe Type: Approach Shoe, Low Ankle
• Weight: 365g (per shoe)
• Price: CAD ~$279 / US – £160 / GBP – $186
• Sizes: 36-46 ½ sizes + 47-48 (no ½ sizes)
• Colours: Gray & Curry / Petrol & Black
• Best For: Easy Climbing, Scrambling, Trekking, Technical Hiking, Via Ferrata, Low 5th-class terrain, Long Approaches, Alpine Terrain

Scarpa’s Mescalito Family

The Mescalito Planet are offered in Men’s and Women’s versions (Light Grey & Coral or Jade & Black colours) for this approach shoe. The Mescalito family of approach shoes are what Scarpa defines as cross-over oriented, so they’re designed for scrambling, via ferrata, climbing and mountain hiking. The Planet version is the lightest and most breathable of the series, whereas the Mid GTX is a full-on approach boot with waterproof lining. The standard Mescaltio Approach Shoe doesn’t use the Perspair fabric instead uses a suede leather material, which adds weight. The Mescalito standard and Mid-Ankle shoes have a Gore-Tex version, which adds a GTX membrane for waterproofing and added protection. I chose the Mescalito Planets as I wanted a lighter, more breathable but still highly technical and comfortable shoe compared to the La Sportiva TX4s for summer adventures.

Why I chose the Mescalito Planet Approach Shoes

When researching for new approach shoes, I was tempted to stick to the La Sportiva TX4s as I wanted something equally as good for rugged long hikes as for scrambling. Yet, the newer TX4 version was not Gore-Tex and had mixed reviews on the technical ability. I chose the Scarpa Mescalito Planet because of the wider fit, great climbing ability reported on GearLab, hiking comfort, durability and a well-timed sale. Even at full price, these shoes would have been worth it, but for £100, it was too good an offer to pass up. In hindsight, I’ve enjoyed the breathability and lighter shoe and have not needed the Gore-Tex waterproofing, so I am very happy with my approach shoe decision. And I agree with most that the Mescalito Planet is the best Approach Shoe on the market for wider feet, hiking, easy rock climbs, scrambling, Via Ferrata climbing and long approaches.

Scarpa Mescalito Planet: Design & Features

Sole Construction

The Scarpa Mescalito Planet Sole is a highly engineered design featuring Vibram technology. The following description explains how the midsole and outsole are constructed to provide the comfort and performance required for climbing, alpine hikes and via ferrata.

1. High-Density EVA Heel Insert – For added support around the heel and ankle.
2. Medium Density EVA Midsole– Shock-Absorbing characteristics, lightness and stability
3. Ergonomic TPU Shank – In the medial part, with differentiated thickness grooves for anti-torsional control
4. Litebase – The rubber base is 40-50% slimmer, so the tread is up to 30% lighter than the traditional tread. In spite of this, performance is unchanged in terms of traction and grip
5. Vibram® Outsole – Collaboratively designed with Scrapa, using a MegaGrip rubber compound for high grip on every terrain
6. Vertical Design – Grooves for support
7. Groove Design – For more cushioning
8. Outsole Design– Propulsion area, braking area, Maximum grip area, Stability area. These specifically designed areas provide a front edging area for rock climbing, slowing down and accelerating areas too.

My Experience

Over the summer, I’ve tested out the Scarpa Mescalito Planets on some of Vancouver and British Columbia’s toughest hikes, backpacking trips and fun scrambles too. Once I broke in the shoes, which took a couple of hikes to soften the tongue, these shoes were incredible. First, the comfort and lightness are noticeable compared to the La Sportiva TX4 GTXs. They’re not as light as trail runners or other approach shoes, which are more climbing shoes than hiking shoes. However, the bretahbility and support mean they’re much more versatile.

This support was noticed when carrying my Osprey Atmos AG 50 when backpacking with almost 15kg of camping gear. I was impressed by loose scree, roots and mud, but these approach shoes come to life on rock. It’s effortless to walk up slabs of rock, and scrambles are very fun with the Megagrip, giving total confidence in remote and challenging terrain. Overall, I’m very impressed, with my only concern being some scuffing of the soft midsole and the fabric around the ankle opening. The Scarpa Mescalito Planet Approach Shoe is a worthy inclusion in the Trekking Kit List and Hiking Kit List.

Scarpa Mescalito Planet Strengths

Excellent Grip & Climbing Ability

The key selling point of an Approach Shoe over a hiking boot is the high-performing and reliable grip on alpine terrains. The super grippy Vibram Megagrip sole, along with the stable and lightweight LiteBase construction, gives excellent traction on slabs, rock, and loose dirt. The aggressive tread pattern gives reliable braking and traction on mud, loose scree, roots and dirt trails. The Vibram Technology works best on rock surfaces, where slabs feel easy when smearing, while the rubber rand gives purchase in cracks. The front stiff toe outsole offers great edging on small holds. Plus, these approach shoes are great for Via Ferrata climbing on top of the easier 5th Grade rock climbing routes. Overall, the Mescalito Planet give top climbing ability for an approach shoe and is better than the La Sportiva TX4s in my opinion. It’s more impressive given the crossover abilities for rugged hikes and long approaches.

All Day Comfort

The Mescalito Planets are a very comfortable shoe once broken in. As they’re designed for long approach hikes and technical mountain hikes, they need to handle unstable and tricky terrain with ease. The EVA midsole provides optimal cushioning, and the Ortholite insole adds to the long-lasting hiking comfort. The upper Perspari textile adds to the comfort with its breathability, and the wider design suits people with wider feet. Finally, the climbing-style laces allow easy adjustments to get the ideal fit. The Scarpa Mescalito Planets are the comfiest mountain shoes I’ve ever tried! If you have average or wider feet, then look no further.

Lightweight & Breathable

As the Mescalito Planets are primarily a summer approach shoe, breathability is more important than waterproofing. By not including a Gore-Tex lining layer, these are 120g per shoe lighter than the Mescalito GTX version. The Perspair® Fabric lining is better suited to hotter temperatures than leather suede and minimises your feet overheating when climbing or descending. Whilst a trail running shoe is lighter and even more breathable, it doesn’t offer the same grip or support as an Approach Shoe. Another perk of the breathability is that when wet, these shoes dried fairly quickly.

Support & Protection

A feature that surprised me was the great underfoot stability and protection. The dual-density EVA and stiffness inserts, along with a robust toe box, and rubber wrap around rand make it good for rocky terrain, scrambling and boulder fields. The rubber rand gives great toe and heel protection. In particular, when backpacking or trekking, the extra support when carrying a heavy load is appreciated. The ankle cuff, despite being a low-cut style, has rigid support to add stability around the ankle that helps when off camber or unbalanced. And the added stiffness in the shoe over the arch helps when using Via Ferrata ladders or rope shoe holds (Aiders). The sole construction also absorbs small rocks underfoot on hiking trails, adding to the overall comfort when on long hikes or approaches.

Durability & Build Quality

Scarpa is famous for their Italian build quality and handmade products in the climbing world. The Mescalito Planet is made using tough ubber rands, solid stitching and quality eyelets for lacing. The Vibram sole is known for its longevity, and the recycled Perspair fabric has handled scraps well. The addition of abrasion-resistant PU inserts in high-wearing areas adds to the durable construction. My only concern is the durability of the softer midsole foam, which scratches easily or the ankle opening cushioning.

Sustainable Design

Scarpa specifically designed the Mescalito Planets with environmentally friendly materials in mind. This has created a new benchmark in approach shoes for using recycled materials and reducing unnecessary materials where possible.

Scarpa Mescalito Planet Weaknesses

Bulky & Wide Toe Box

It is heavier and more substantial than many minimal approach shoes (La Sportiva TX2) or trail-runners. And these styles of approach shoes are more climbing-oriented than mountain hiking or via ferrata. They’re not as suitable for long approaches and are much less versatile. The other disadvantage of a stiffer and bulkier shoe is carrying them when backpacking or when climbing on a multi-pitch. The wider toe box is great if you need it, but maybe too wide for narrower feet to use precisely when on narrow edges.

Not Waterproof

As mentioned, the increased breathability and lighter design mean there is no waterproofing. There is a Mescaltio version available if this is a must-have requirement for you. Initially, I wanted a Gore-Tex shoe to replace, like-for-like, my La Sportiva TX4 GTXs. However, after a summer of hiking and minimal rain, I’ve enjoyed the lighter feel and cooler feet. This is where it’s easy to build up a collection of mountain shoes for different weather and needs (what a shame).

Premium Price

Even within Scarpa’s Approach Shoe collection, the Mescalito Planets are on the higher end due to he technology implemented. There are many cheaper shoes on the market; however, they don’t have the same reputation as Scarpa for climbing or build quality. I was lucky to pick the Mescalito Planet up directly from Scarpa with a 30% sale discount, which makes the $200CAD (£105) a steal for a shoe of this quality and performance.

Low Ankle Design

A compromise is always made when protection vs flexibility of the ankle is considered. Personally, I have always preferred a low ankle design. But it’s noticeable that small stones, twigs or debris can enter the heel opening. Plus, there is a greater chance when crossing streams or wet trails of water entering.

Alternatives

Best Use-Case

The Mescalito Planet is best when you need a versatile mountain shoe that can handle the following:

• Long approaches: From rough trails to rocky scree, boulder fields or even vertical scrambles
• Scrambling and low 5th class climbing: Good for climbing on cracks, slabs, short pitches where you need toe protection and grip, but not the precise grip from a climbing shoe.
• Backpacking or Trekking: When carrying loads or in remote terrain, where durability and support matter
• Mountain Hikes: A versatile summer hiking shoe that gives confidence underfoot
• Via Ferrata: Fantastic for Via Ferrata climbing thanks to the stiffness and grip options.
• Alpine Terrain: These shoes can handle anything in the summer and shoulder months (Snow TBC).

Scarpa Mescalito Planet Kit Rating

Summary

The Scarpa Mescalito Planet is the best approach shoe on the market because of the excellent climbing ability, hiking comfort, breathability and durability. It provides all-around protection, support, and an eco-minded approach shoe designed for long, rugged approaches and technical scrambles. With a recycled Perspair® upper, Vibram LiteBase Megagrip sole, and full toe/side rand, it excels in protection, stability, and grip on rock and rough terrain. While heavier and less precise than some lighter approach shoes, it offers comfort and durability for long days with a pack. Meaning it is much more versatile for most mountain adventurers. Overall, it’s a strong choice for climbers and hikers who prioritise support and longevity over ultralight minimalism on alpine terrain.